Robert Marzano says, "Setting objectives involves specific teacher and student behaviors, including both decision-making and communicating." Teachers select broad or narrow learning goals. Studies suggest, "goals with a narrow focus will actually minimize learning, because students focus on what has been communicated as important." Goal setting is also an act of communication between teachers and students. Students focus what has been set forth for them as an objective, therefore, communicating those objectives clearly will become pertinent in the students success. It also ensures student focus by becoming an exercise in considering how to generalize selected learning outcomes.
Instructional goals should not be too specific. When goals are too narrowly focused they can limit learning (Fraser, 1987; Walberg, 1999).
If students are encouraged to personalize the teacher's goals, then learning increases. Student ownership enhances learning focus. Studies show the benefits of students setting sub-goals derived from the larger teacher-defined goals (Bandura & Schunk, 1981; Morgan, 1985).
Some studies indicate that student learning "contracts" are effective in developing student ownership and completion of goals. A contract would be an agreement between student and teacher for a grade the students will receive if they meet established criteria (Kahle & Kelly, 1994; Miller & Kelley, 1994; Vollmer, 1995).
Robert Marzano discussing his book on Setting Objectives.
6 Steps in Implementing Appropriate Learning Objectives according to NETC:
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Goals should be flexible and general .
Student ownership makes a difference.
Allow students enough time to adapt goals.
Use advanced organizers to introduce goals.
Help students understand different types of goals.
Focus goals on understanding.
Creating goals and objectives that students clearly understand will help them in their future to make their own goals and objectives for their lives. Students who practice setting goals will realize the difference between a goal and an activity and will be able to put forth the effort to make their lives all that they dream it to be.
“It’s only a dream until you write it down, then it becomes a goal.” – Emit Smith
Robert Marzano says, "Setting objectives involves specific teacher and student behaviors, including both decision-making and communicating." Teachers select broad or narrow learning goals. Studies suggest, "goals with a narrow focus will actually minimize learning, because students focus on what has been communicated as important." Goal setting is also an act of communication between teachers and students. Students focus what has been set forth for them as an objective, therefore, communicating those objectives clearly will become pertinent in the students success. It also ensures student focus by becoming an exercise in considering how to generalize selected learning outcomes.
Key Research Findings from Northwest Educational Technology Consortium:
Instructional goals should not be too specific. When goals are too narrowly focused they can limit learning (Fraser, 1987; Walberg, 1999).
If students are encouraged to personalize the teacher's goals, then learning increases. Student ownership enhances learning focus. Studies show the benefits of students setting sub-goals derived from the larger teacher-defined goals (Bandura & Schunk, 1981; Morgan, 1985).
Some studies indicate that student learning "contracts" are effective in developing student ownership and completion of goals. A contract would be an agreement between student and teacher for a grade the students will receive if they meet established criteria (Kahle & Kelly, 1994; Miller & Kelley, 1994; Vollmer, 1995).
Robert Marzano discussing his book on Setting Objectives.
6 Steps in Implementing Appropriate Learning Objectives according to NETC:
Creating goals and objectives that students clearly understand will help them in their future to make their own goals and objectives for their lives. Students who practice setting goals will realize the difference between a goal and an activity and will be able to put forth the effort to make their lives all that they dream it to be.
“It’s only a dream until you write it down, then it becomes a goal.” – Emit Smith